Didi in Delhi for 5 days, but not only for plan meet

In this season of political brinkmanship, West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee plans to undertake a five-day tour in the Capital from April 8.

Banerjee’s Trinamool remains a coveted partner for different political dispensations in the UPA despite her unpredictable political instincts.

After she withdrew support from the UPA, this will be Banerjee’s longest visit to Delhi.

While her official engagement is confined to meeting the Planning Commission on April 9 to finalise the annual plan for 2013-14 for West Bengal, Banerjee has indicated to her close aides that she will be holding political meetings as well.

“Several people want to meet me and I haven’t had the chance to talk to them for a long time. My Delhi visit will provide that opportunity,” she reportedly told close aides.

Leaders such as Nitish Kumar (JD-U), Naveen Patnaik (BJD), J Jayalalitha (AIADMK) are believed to be in touch with Banerjee even though Congress brass has never closed direct communication links with Banerjee.

During the past month, Congress has even reached out to Banerjee when two central ministers, Kamal Nath and Jairam Ramesh, called her within a gap of three hours and Banerjee had also stood by the UPA government after DMK’s exit over the issue of Sri Lankan Tamils.

Sources added that on International Women’s Day (March 8), Banerjee had sent a personal letter to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and had received a reply.

Almost each time Banerjee has come to Delhi after she withdrew support to the UPA, BJP leaders like Shahnawaz Hussain have met her.